As Nigeria strides closer towards epidemic control of HIV/AIDS, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) issues a resounding call to action, urging stakeholders to unite and propel the sustainability agenda forward.

In a gathering attended by development partners and key stakeholders committed to ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030, Dr. Gambo Aliyu, the Director General of NACA, underscored the paramount importance of ensuring the success of Nigeria’s sustainability agenda in combating HIV/AIDS.

The sustainability process, initiated to prepare Nigeria for assuming ownership and control of its HIV/AIDS national response post-foreign aid, has been underway for the past two years. With a focus on implementing a new business model aligned with the Paris Declaration 2005, stakeholders aim to establish an effective and efficient HIV response led by the Nigerian government and its people.

Dr. Aliyu emphasized the urgency of identifying sustainable structures to support health services across federal and state institutions, highlighting services integration as a key strategy for sustaining the HIV response in the country. He urged stakeholders to expedite the process to meet Nigeria’s ambitious timelines for ending AIDS as a public health concern.

Acknowledging the pivotal role played by partners such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, Dr. Aliyu applauded their contributions to Nigeria’s progress in the HIV national response.

Looking ahead, discussions centered on how to seamlessly integrate HIV treatment services into routine health services as the disease transitions from epidemic to endemic. Dr. Yewande Olaifa, a Deputy Director at NACA, outlined the phased approach of the sustainability agenda, emphasizing the empowerment and transition of responsibilities to federal, private, and community structures.

The agenda’s success hinges on meticulous planning, including restructuring support services and engaging multiple states in the process. Dr. Aliyu underscored the importance of training and capacity-building to ensure accountability and effective implementation at all levels.

As stakeholders embark on this transformative journey, NACA remains steadfast in its commitment to mobilizing resources, fostering collaboration, and driving sustainable solutions in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.